Radiographer salary Australia 2026–27: award minimums, public hospital rates and take-home pay

Understanding the radiographer salary Australia landscape

If you are looking up a radiographer salary Australia guide, you have probably seen a mix of figures: award minimums, public hospital pay scales, and the ATO median. Each tells a different part of the story. The amount that lands in your bank account – your take-home pay – depends on your employer, your experience, and the tax system.

Award minimum pay for radiographers

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award sets the legal minimum for many private-sector radiographers. From 1 October 2026, a first-year radiographer (Level 1, 1st year) earns at least $34.44 per hour, or $68,058 per year for a 38-hour week. With experience, the minimum rises to $44.46 per hour (Level 1, 7th year+). Senior clinicians (Levels 2–4) earn $51.19 to $65.77 per hour. These rates are before tax and super. For comparison, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week. provides a detailed breakdown of award rates and public hospital scales.

Public hospital pay scales

Most radiographers in public hospitals are covered by state agreements, which pay more than the award. In Queensland Health, new graduates start at HP3, earning $83,824 to $124,314 per year. Senior clinicians (HP4) earn $132,689 to $142,315. In NSW Health, the supervised practice year (Level 1) pays $79,158, then Level 2 starts at $81,969 and rises to $112,914 by Year 5. Senior roles (Level 3 and above) can reach $195,965. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database confirms the award classifications that underpin these roles.

What radiographers actually earn – the ATO median

The Australian Taxation Office’s 2023–24 tax statistics show a median salary or wage of $102,607 for radiographers. Men earned a median of $120,610, women $94,413. This includes part-time workers, so full-time pay is usually higher. The ATO figures are the most reliable benchmark for what people in the occupation actually received. also notes that sonographers had a higher median of $109,756, reflecting the higher qualification level (AQF 8).

From gross salary to take-home pay

Your gross salary is not what you keep. After income tax and the Medicare levy, the amount changes. For 2026–27, the tax rates are: nil up to $18,200, then 15c per $1 up to $45,000, then 30c per $1 up to $135,000, then 37c per $1 up to $190,000, then 45c per $1. The Medicare levy is 2% for full-time workers. The single Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. For example, a radiographer earning the ATO median of $102,607 would have about $78,000–$79,000 after tax and Medicare, assuming no HELP debt or salary sacrifice. Super is paid on top of your salary – it is not deducted from take-home. Use a [Take-home pay calculator to estimate your own figures.

Common mix-ups: salary vs package vs take-home

A common confusion is confusing your gross salary with your total package. Your salary is the amount before tax. A package includes super (12% from 1 July 2026 on a maximum contribution base of $270,830). Take-home is what you get after tax and Medicare. For example, a $100,000 salary is not the same as $100,000 package. Always check whether a job ad says “plus super” or “including super”. The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour and $1,004.90 a week. The average full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week according to ABS May 2026 data.

Key takeaways

• Award minimum: $68,058 for a first-year radiographer.
• Public hospital: $79,158 to $195,965 depending on state and level.
• ATO median: $102,607 (2023–24).
• Take-home is lower after tax and Medicare.
• Super is additional.

For more on how tax and Medicare affect your pay, see our guide on Tax and Medicare. For salary packaging options, see Salary packaging.

Disclaimer: This is a resident estimate only. Excludes HELP/HECS, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. Not an assessment.

Check a figure

Use the clearance tool for a fortnightly take-home, then set it beside the national benchmarks.